Minimum shader model in DirectX?

3DModelerMan · Post by **3DModelerMan** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:13 pm

What's a good minimum shader model to assume that people will have nowadays. Is it safe to assume that people will have cards that support shader model 2.0 for DirectX 9? Or even 3.0? Or will I have to support fixed function on alot of cards still?

Sylence · Post by **Sylence** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:43 pm

Well depends

The best source for this questions would be the Steam Hardware Survey. Of course this is only valid for gamers. Normal people will have older hardware, of course.

hendu · Post by **hendu** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:47 pm

You might also want to check Unity's stats:
http://unity3d.com/webplayer/hwstats/pa ... ergen.html

Radikalizm · Post by **Radikalizm** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 3:41 pm

I try to look at the current hardware generation and support it together with the 2 generations before that, which means I'm ditching anything older than shader model 3

If people still run on hardware which can't support features from 2 generations ago, they shouldn't complain they can't run current generation software

People should be encouraged to update their outdated hardware, a decent up-to-date mid-range card doesn't have to cost much these days

nespa · Post by **nespa** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:09 pm

at least 2.0, with selector for upgrade

hendu · Post by **hendu** » Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:31 pm

BTW my opinion is to allow the greatest market penetration possible, that is, to run well on Intel 945

It is still possible to look good, and even to use shaders. ARB assembly ftw.